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"Complementar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to complement", and "reforzar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to reinforce". Learn more about the difference between "complementar" and "reforzar" below.
complementar(
kohm
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pleh
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mehn
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tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to add to)
a. to complement
Deberías complementar tu vida sedentaria con algo de ejercicio diario.You should complement your sedentary life with some daily exercise.
b. to supplement
Muchos tienen que complementar sus ingresos con trabajo extra.A lot of people need to supplement their income with extra work.
a. to complement
El color azul del bolso complementa el conjunto gris que llevas de maravilla.The blue color of the purse complements your gray outfit beautifully.
complementarse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
3. (to match)
a. to complement each other
Los dos protagonistas se complementan a la perfección porque uno es muy positivo y el otro bastante negativo.The two main characters complement each other really well because one is very positive and the other quite negative.
reforzar(
rreh
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fohr
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sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to reinforce
Hay que poner una viga cada metro para reforzar la pared.We have to put a beam at one-meter intervals to reinforce the wall.
2. (to bolster)
a. to reinforce
Necesitamos convencer a un consejero más para reforzar nuestro plan estratégico.We need to convince one more board member in order to reinforce our strategic planning.
b. to strengthen
Te recomiendo tomar vitamina C para reforzar el sistema inmunológico.I recommend you take vitamin C to strengthen your immune system.
c. to increase (number or amount)
Reforzaron el número de guardias en el estacionamiento por los recientes casos de vandalismo.They have increased the number of guards in the parking lot due to recent vandalism incidents.
a. to intensify
Antes de la fotografía digital, era necesario someter el cliché a un baño especial para reforzar la imagen.Before digital photography, you had to put the negatives in a special bath in order to intensify the image.
